We fact-checked a recent mailer sent to some Hernando County households and found that it contains modified images that present a false impression. The photos do not clearly state that they are modified images. The images are fake and attempt to cause Republican voters not to vote for Marvin Baynham in the primary election. We rate this flyer extremely misleading.
The AI-generated photo is of Marvin Baynham wearing a Biden Harris hat and shirt. This picture appears to have been computer-generated from a photo of Mr. Baynham, where the logo on his shirt and hat was replaced with the Biden Harris Presidential campaign logo. The flyer is from a Tallahassee dark money group called Voters Response. The registered agent, chairman, and treasurer of this group is Tallahassee lawyer David Ramba. He runs RAMBA Consulting Group LLC, whose tagline is “Experience the power of true influence with Ramba Consulting Group.”
There is a disclaimer buried on the flyer where it lists who authorized and paid for the ad that this flyer was created with the assistance of generative AI. The beginning of the disclaimer is normal stating, “Paid electioneering communication paid for by Voters Response.” It then goes on to say that “This advertisement was created in whole or part with the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) to depict an alternate reality of what Marvin Baynham would be doing.”
This disclaimer appears to be inserted because the images on the flyer are generated by AI. Mr Baynham stated that the original photograph used to create the image of him wearing a Harris Biden hat and shirt was actually a modified image of him wearing his fire company hat and shirt and has provided the original image.
This flyer and associated pictures leave the recipients of the flyer with the impression that there is photographic evidence that shows Marvin Baynham wearing a Biden Harris shirt and hat. The only vague indication that this is not the case is the small disclaimer on the back of the flyer.
Mr. Baynham is locked in a close Republican primary race for Hernando County Commissioner District 3. This flyer falsely shows him wearing clothing supporting the previous Democrat ticket for president. It appears that the image and flyer was made before President Biden dropped out of the race and they decided not to update it.
If true, this image would alienate some Republican voters. It is not true. This image is an artificially generated fake.
